California billionaire Stephen Cloobeck said he’s “no longer a Democrat” after withdrawing his support for Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) bid for governor.
Swalwell’s political career has come to an abrupt end due to sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women, prompting him to suspend his run for governor and announce his resignation from Congress. Cloobeck, who endorsed Swalwell after dropping his own bid for governor in November, said he’s known the lawmaker “for the longest time,” but he is “blown away” by the allegations and that “there’s no way I would’ve endorsed him.”
“Mad? I am no longer a Democrat.” Cloobeck said in an interview with FOX 11 Los Angeles. “I’m now a Libertarian-Republican, because that’s what a blue dog Democrat used to be, OK? It’s called executing, being accountable, enforcing respect, responsibility, and results. Knowing what your job description is, delivering results, unifying, making this country great. The great brand we have, OK, or we used to. Can we get it together, please?”
Cloobeck said he ran for governor because he “couldn’t find a candidate that was worthy to back,” and while he initially thought Swalwell “had the goods,” the lawmaker “didn’t tell the truth.” Cloobeck also said it’s “too early to tell” if he supports the other candidates running for governor.
Cloobeck added that it is “too bad” the deadline to run for governor has passed because he would “still be in the race.” He said he “studied the problems” the state has and had solutions for them.
“And I am sad. Save California, please. Save California, we need to be saved,” Cloobeck said.
The reporter asked Cloobeck if he’s still friends with Swalwell, to which he responded, “Eric who?” He added, “Don’t bust the trust,” and, “You don’t exist in my life.”
DEMOCRATS BACK TO SQUARE ONE IN CALIFORNIA AFTER SWALWELL IMPLOSION
FBI Director Kash Patel invited Swalwell to ‘sit down with the FBI’ on Monday. Patel also encouraged others who may be involved or have information about the accusations to contact the FBI.
Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha said Swalwell served as “the ultimate useful idiot” who could fulfill his “sole purpose” to say a viral line against President Donald Trump for the Democratic Party. He added that the party is distancing itself from the lawmaker after fulfilling his role to try to “take out” Trump.